The Goodison chairman was speaking for the first time in the wake of Rooney's departure.

"I feel numb," he told the ECHO. "But I got the best deal I could for Everton Football Club, simple as that."

The deal was completed shortly before 7.30pm last night and will see the Blues receive #10m up front.

A further #10m will be paid in 12 months' time, with the remainder based on Rooney's success at Old Trafford over the course of his six-year contract.

Kenwright had been in round-the-clock negotiations with United chief executive David Gill following Rooney's transfer request which was submitted on Friday.

With Kenwright having also secured a #15m cash credit flow deal with billionaire retailer Philip Green, the club suddenly finds itself #25m better off today. A significant chunk of that sum will be made available to manager David Moyes when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Goodison chief resisted the temptation to make stop-gap signings last night, preferring to put faith in his in-form squad over the next four months as he targets the quality additions he can now afford.

There were deals in place yesterday for Porto striker Benni McCarthy and Croatian defender Dario Simic. However, Porto pulled out of the McCarthy deal, while an injury to Milan-based Simic ended the proposed season-long loan.

Meanwhile, Rooney was being unveiled as a Manchester United player today after putting pen to paper on a #55,000-a-week deal.

Rooney said: "It was a tough decision to leave Everton, the club I supported and played for all my life. But I'm excited to be joining a club as big as Manchester United. I feel I can only improve my career playing with top players in top competitions like the Champions League."

Ironically, Rooney's first appearance could be against Everton's Merseyside rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on September 20.